About the opportunity
The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship is designed for outstanding early-career researchers who have a clear vision for their own independent research and a demonstrated need for flexibility. This fellowship supports researchers in establishing an independent research career while accommodating personal circumstances that require part-time working or extended leave periods. Fellows receive significant funding to pursue innovative research questions and become leaders in their field, supported by a community of peers and tailored career development opportunities. The scheme is specifically intended for those who do not yet hold a permanent position and are ready to lead an independent research group within the natural sciences.
Funding and benefits
- Eight-year fellowship duration
- Maximum funding of £1,907,400
- Flexibility for part-time working or extended leave due to health or caring responsibilities
- Tailored career development, mentoring, and engagement opportunities
- Access to a supportive community of research fellows
Who can apply?
- Early stage in postdoctoral research career (completed PhD or no more than six years of actual research experience since PhD by the closing date, accounting for career breaks)
- Must demonstrate a current and ongoing need for flexible support due to personal circumstances (e.g., primary carer, clinically diagnosed health condition)
- Must not hold a permanent post (including proleptic position) in a university or not-for-profit organization
- Must not hold or have previously held an equivalent fellowship that allows for independent group leadership
- Research must fall within the Royal Society's remit of natural sciences
Required documents
- Application form via Flexi-Grant
- Refer to scheme notes for specific documentation requirements
When to apply
- Applications open: 03 September 2026
- Application deadline: 29 October 2026
- Decision expected by: 31 July 2027
How to apply
- Register and apply through the Royal Society's Flexi-Grant portal
- Eligibility check by the Royal Society Grants team
- Assessment by the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships Selection Committee
- Longlisting and independent peer review
- Shortlisting for interview
- Final funding recommendations following interviews
Additional information
- The scheme is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).
- Support is available for disabled applicants, including adjustments to the application and interview process.
- Applicants should consult the official scheme notes and Royal Society Funding Guidance before applying.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers at an early career stage who are ready to transition into independent group leadership.
- Scientists whose personal circumstances, such as caregiving or health needs, require a flexible, long-term research environment.
- Individuals seeking a prestigious, well-funded, and stable eight-year platform to establish their research identity.
What should you think carefully about?
- The requirement for a demonstrated need for flexibility is a core eligibility criterion that must be clearly articulated.
- The application process is rigorous, involving multiple stages including peer review and interviews, which requires significant preparation time.
- Applicants must ensure their research aligns strictly with the Royal Society's natural sciences remit.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for researchers aiming to secure long-term independence without sacrificing personal well-being. By providing an eight-year horizon and substantial financial backing, it allows fellows to focus entirely on high-impact research, making it an ideal stepping stone for those targeting future permanent academic or research leadership roles.
Our take
This is a premier opportunity for early-career scientists who need a flexible, supportive, and long-term funding structure to launch their independent research careers. It is less suitable for those who do not have a clear, ongoing need for flexible working arrangements or whose research falls outside the natural sciences.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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